Family remembers Wooley with MSU scholarship

CORINTH – Family and friends will say goodbye to Marine Cpl. Jacob Wooley in services this weekend in Corinth, and his memory will live on through a scholarship at Mississippi State University.
Wooley, 23, was killed March 21 inside the barracks at the Officer Training School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in northern Virginia. Others who died in the incident were Lance Cpl. Sara Castromata, 19, of Oakley, Calif., and Sgt. Eusebio Lopez, 25, of Pacifica, Calif.
“We have had so many people come to us and offer prayers and support and it’s much appreciated,” said Linda Wooley, Jacob’s mother. “Our faith is very strong and we know that God welcomed Jacob home and we ask for your prayers to continue for our family and the other two families that are suffering along with us.”
The Jacob Wooley Memorial Scholarship will be “a way to establish a legacy for Jacob, because he loved Mississippi State, especially Mississippi State football,” Linda Wooley said.
Wooley attended Alcorn Central High School and Northeast Mississippi Junior College before joining the Marine Corps in February 2010. He served as a field radio operator and was promoted to corporal in July 2012. He received the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
During the past three years in the Marine Corps, he was stationed for two years in Okinawa, Japan, and spent time in Thailand and the Philippines.
A member of Central Pentecostal Church in Corinth, Wooley had begun preaching before joining the Marine Corps, and had planned to dedicate his life to God and become a minister at the end of his enlistment.
“Jacob had a rare gift for making those around him feel special,” Linda Wooley said. “His Marine Corps brothers said he had a light in him that few possess. He cared deeply for his family, God and country, and shared everything he had when he saw someone in need. Jacob always had a big smile for everyone, and never met a stranger. Jacob was quick to defend anyone who was being threatened or mistreated, and he became a Marine to defend his country.”
Visitation will be held at Magnolia Funeral Home in Corinth from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday and on Monday at Church of the Crossroads from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the funeral at 1 at the church.

To Donate
The scholarship will be administered by the John Stallworth Foundation in Huntsville. Donations may be made to the scholarship fund through johnstallworth.com and an application for the scholarship is on the website or by contacting the foundation at 200 Pratt Avenue, Suite B-2, Huntsville, AL 35801.